There is no requirement for mandatory pre-merger notification in Australia. Parties to mergers which may raise competition concerns are nevertheless encouraged to apply to notify the ACCC for 'informal clearance'; an indication of whether the ACCC will oppose the merger, not oppose the merger, or not oppose subject to conditions.

Most notified mergers are 'low risk' and are reviewed during an initial 2-4 week pre-assessment phase without public review. If a review is necessary the ACCC commences a public review and undertakes market inquiries. Usually between 6-12 after pre-assessment phase 1 concludes and the ACCC either issues a final decision or issues a 'Statement of Issues' (SOI) and proceeds to phase 2, including public consultation on the SOI. Phase 2 typically lasts between 6-12 weeks from the issue of the SOI, but may take longer and timelines may be suspended where further information is sought from the merging parties.

Parties may offer merger remedies at any point during the review process; the ACCC does not have the power to impose merger remedies, but may indicate that it will oppose a merger absent undertakings necessary to address competition concerns.

The process is supported by Informal Merger Process Guidelines.